Campus buzzing as OU’s first SEC match-up draws closer
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Campus is buzzing down in Norman, Oklahoma with OU’s first SEC match-up just days away.
Gameday is getting set up and on Thursday, Blake Shelton was announced as the guest picker.
News 4 spoke to some students about their excitement as the most anticipated game at Owen Field in years draws closer.
The national spotlight will soon be shining on Norman, Oklahoma.
"The energy is so big on campus, It's just so exciting,” student Katelyn Austin said.
"It's like the stars aligned for my experience here and it's awesome, I love it,” student Tyler McMurtrey said.
Saturdays at the University of Oklahoma are already a big deal. All you have to do is look to the north side of the South Oval and you’ll see that this Saturday just means more.
"It's what I look forward to all week, especially the first SEC game, It's such a big match-up,” Austin said.
It’s big enough that College Gameday was getting situated on campus Thursday before the fighting Volunteers from Tennessee roll into town this weekend. This reality comes just a few years after OU’s big announcement to move conference’s.
"It's kind of brand new for everyone,” McMurtrey said. "Pre-game's changed for like the first time in forever, we get to be on the field when the football team comes out."
McMurtrey is a freshman in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band.
"It's one of the coolest experiences that I've ever had,” he said.
He and his fellow students are sure to take it all in. That starts bright and early at College Gameday.
"Maybe a little bit of coffee,” student Ethan Higgs said. “Hopefully that'll be enough to keep me awake."
"I'm going to wake up early, I'm going to make a sign with my friends, I'm super excited,” Austin said.
All that’s left is a little field prep for the palace on the prairie. That’s before 80,000 plus fans fill it up and look to become the craziest environment in the SEC.
"It'll be fun, let's get a win,” Higgs said.
Gameday starts at 8 a.m., while OU kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Before that, you can catch Oklahoma State play Utah at 3 p.m.